Fans behind Real Madrid’s match postponement (PHOTOS)

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Published time: September 23, 2012 21:31
Edited time: September 24, 2012 01:50

The La Liga clash between Rayo Vallecano and Real Madrid has been suspended after power to the stadium was reportedly cut by fans, meaning the reigning Spanish champions will remain 17th in the league until at least Monday evening.

It was first reported in the Spanish media that lightening around Vallecas, Rayo Vallecano’s home ground, had forced part of the lighting and electricity to go out. Spectators were not allowed into the arena for security reasons.

Some fans of Real Madrid’s opponents may have been buoyed by the news, as Rayo means lightning in Spanish. The official cause turned out to be more mundane, however. It appeared that home fans had actually cut power to the stadium as part of a week-long boycott against ticket prices. All week, season ticket holders protested against having to pay an extra €25 to see the game.

Rayo's president, Raul Martin Presa, has called the incident sabotage. "Vandals have cut cables, we have tried to solve the problem as quickly as possible but told the stewards not to open the doors of the stadium. We will leave it to the police to find out who is responsible," said Presa.

The problem couldn’t be fixed in time and the game was postponed. It will played on Monday evening at 10 pm local time, according to Canal+.

Jose Mourinho’s charges, who recently started their Champions League campaign with a domestic win against Manchester City, haven’t faired as well in the domestic league, only winning one in four games in the La Liga, leaving them 17th.

Fans wait outside the Estadio de Vallecas ground for security reasons ahead of the Spanish League football match between Rayo Vallecano and Real Madrid. (AFP Photo/Pedro Armestre)

Soccer fans wait outside the stadium as soccer officials discuss postponing the start of the Rayo Vallecano-Real Madrid Spanish First Division soccer match after a power failure on half of the soccer pitch before the start of the game at Teresa Rivero stadium in Madrid September 23, 2012. (Reuters/Susana Vera)

Real Madrid's second coach Aitor Karanka (C) waits for soccer officials to decide on whether to postpone the start of the Rayo Vallecano-Real Madrid Spanish First Division soccer match after a power failure on half of the soccer pitch before the game at Teresa Rivero stadium in Madrid September 23, 2012. (Reuters/Susana Vera)

Real Madrid's Gonzalo Higuain (C) waits for soccer officials to decide on whether to postpone the start of the Rayo Vallecano-Real Madrid Spanish First Division soccer match after a power failure on half of the soccer pitch before the game at Teresa Rivero stadium in Madrid September 23, 2012. (Reuters/Susana Vera)